RSVP by noon on Wednesday September 11, to David Ward at 202-352-8550 or via e-mail to dmward1973@gmail.com

NOTE: Valid photo ID required

Parking: While there is no parking at the Embassy, paid off street parking is available behind and under the Airline Pilots Association- 17th and Mass, and at 15th and Mass (1240 15th street). On street two hour metered parking is also available.

Biography: Tim McOwan enlisted into the Army in 1976 and gained his commission from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1980.

Major General McOwan served in regimental appointments with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) and the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). His service with 1 RAR included an attachment to the Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia and his service with the SAS included a two-year secondment to the headquarters commanding the British SAS and the Special Boat Service (HQDSAS).

Whilst in SASR he served as a Vehicle Mounted Troop Commander, a Counter Terrorist Troop Commander, an Operations Officer and Adjutant. He also commanded SAS Operations Support Squadron (1990-1991).

In 1992 he attended Army Command and Staff College at Fort Queenscliff following which he served in staff appointments within the Directorate of Operational Support in Army Headquarters. In 1994 he was appointed as Commander Australian Service Contingent Operation MAZURKA with the Multinational Force and Observers, Sinai, Egypt where he served as the Force Assistant Chief of Staff. In 1996 he was posted as the Staff Officer – Plans, Headquarters Special Forces (HQSF) prior to assuming the appointment as the first Chief of Staff in the newly formed Headquarters Special Operations (HQSO).

In 1998 he attended Joint Services Staff College before being deployed to the Arabian Gulf on Operation POLLARD as a member of the US CENTCOM led Coalition Headquarters. Upon return to Australia Major General McOwan served as the Staff Officer Operations (G3) in Army Headquarters.

Major General McOwan assumed command of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in January 1999. During his time as Commanding Officer he commanded Joint Task Force 504 during Operation SPITFIRE, the Special Operations Component of INTERFET during Operation WARDEN and Joint Task Force 643 during Operation GOLD, the ADF Counter Terrorism support to the Sydney Olympics.

In 2001 he was appointed the Chief Staff Officer Plans (J5) in Joint Operations Command. In this capacity he was responsible for operational planning for Australia’s commitment to the War On Terror, OP SLIPPER in Afghanistan and OP FALCONER in Iraq as well as numerous other ADF operations. In 2003 Major General McOwan attended the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies.

In 2004 he became the Director Strategy and International Engagement in Army Headquarters before assuming the appointment of Deputy Special Operations Commander, Australia (DSOCAUST). In this appointment he supervised all SOCOMD operational activity and led the lodgement of the Special Operations Task Force into Afghanistan in 2005 (Operation SLIPPER).

In January 2006 he was appointed the Chief of Defence Force Liaison Officer to the Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon, Washington DC. This appointment saw him responsible to the CDF for liaison between the US Defence Force and the Australian Defence Force in the areas of operations, strategic plans and intelligence.

He was appointed Special Operations Commander Australia (SOCAUST) in February 2008.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership during Operation WARDEN and the Conspicuous Service Medal for operational service during Operation MAZURKA.

He was awarded the Order of Australia for his substantial contribution to the capabilities, operational successes and international reputation of Australia’s Special Forces.

Academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts (Military Studies), a Graduate Diploma in Management, a Graduate Diploma in Defence Studies, a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters of Arts in Strategic Studies. His interests include mountaineering, fly-fishing, bush walking, reading and most sports.

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About Us

The RSL is a group of Australian and American veterans and their friends who meet monthly at the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC. Any questions please feel free to contact us at info (at) rsl-dc (dot) com